Pectus excavatum

My son has just come back from Iraq after serving for 15 months as a medic. He was only told 8 years ago that he had pectus excavatum. I thought he just hadn't developed muscles. The doctor never mentioned it to me.
It has really been bothering him since he has been serving in the Army. He wants to get it corrected. I am very leary of the surgery but I know its bothering his lungs. Please help me to find a specialist in this field and preferably in Colorado first and then California. I am desperate.
Thanks so much for helping me out.
Marisue Archer

I do not make specific plastic surgical recomendations. Treatment options vary with the degree of deformity and functional problems. The most common tretment is a silicone custom fabricated implant that is placed beneath the skin to recontour the defect. Other options include the use of pectoral muscle migrtion over the defect. A new injectable material hs been used in Europe (not available in the US) that corrects the deformity. The most radical approach is the reversal of the sterum to correct the defect. I suggest you contact a local university plastic surgery training program that can direct you to the best and most experienced surgeon for your son's problem.

The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Med Help International, Inc. is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. By using this Site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.